Peanuts In My Pocket

My wife and I were craving tacos, but our favorite spot is down by the beach. Since it was a hot Sunday, the beach was bound to be a nightmare, so we started looking for another option. I consulted my “Tacos To Try” list and picked Tacos Los Cholos in Fullerton. I’d seen plenty of good reviews on Instagram, so it seemed like a solid choice.

To be clear: I loved this place, and the food is delicious. Honestly, you could stop reading right now and just go there for tacos; they’re that good. One word of caution, though: avoid arriving right after the local Korean churches let out on a Sunday. It was packed. So much so that they temporarily stopped letting people in, only allowing new guests in as others left.

Now, I have a low tolerance for loud noise and big crowds. My first thought walking in was, I need to get out of here before I lose my mind. The noise and crowd triggered every fight-or-flight alarm I have. I was about to bolt until I noticed my wife’s face lighting up as she looked at the menu. I didn’t want to disappoint her, so I stayed, and I’m glad I did. Five stars for the tacos, maybe one star for the noise and crowd. But honestly, I think that’s just me; most people seemed fine with it. If you have social anxiety, though, Sunday afternoons might not be your ideal time to visit.

We ordered chicken, pork belly, and chorizo tacos. All were loaded with flavorful, perfectly cooked meat. We also had chips and guacamole. My only regret? Not trying more of the meat options. The menu is packed with tempting choices, and I’ll definitely be back within the week.

Pro tip: The salsa bar is well-stocked and well-maintained, but it can get crowded. Guests really go all in on their salsa and toppings, so the line moves slowly. The best strategy is to hit it early, basically, as soon as you snag a table.

Parking is… an adventure. Think of it as a cross between a cramped Trader Joe’s lot and a demolition derby. Navigating through the congestion reminded me of parking in Little Saigon. Keep your eyes peeled for rogue cars.

If you’re in the area, give it a try. They also have locations in Huntington Park, Huntington Beach, and Anaheim, with two more opening soon. If you go, let me know what you think. Enjoy!